GTR-199 Uncle Rico‘s Time Machine

GTR-199 Uncle Rico‘s Time Machine

Author: Bradley Laird November 24, 2021 Duration: 1:19:34
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 199   Uncle Rico's Time Machine   Put the handle between your legs. Set the date on the dial. Don't forget to put the crystal in the clamp. Tell Kip to throw the switch. You will be instantly transported to another time and place. In this case, Motorhead's Bar and Grill on a Thursday night in McDonough, Georgia. Take notes. This has everything: How to cope with 15 free shots for the band, the buzzing of countless neon lights, screaming adoring fans, smashing beer bottle sounds, the snapping of a "smoke eater" machine, a late fiddle player, a fill in bass player thereby causing us to "wing" all of the harmonies since we are missing our tenor singer.  Pay attention to Buddy's guitar playing. Those little mid-range licks put right into the gaps! It is a perfect representation of good bluegrass guitar. David's banjo playing is top notch and different from what you are used to. Mike's fiddle, despite no time to warm up, is truly amazing. Tony's bass playing, even though he is winging it on every tune, proves what a great musician (with "great ears") he truly was. And the tone from my 1985 Carlson Flatiron is better than I have ever heard it. Golden times before everyone lost their minds. Back then, only WE had lost out minds. This episode is dedicated to the memory of my good friend and mentor Tony Terrell who taught me so much about piano tuning, rebuilding and introduced me to so much great music.  It has a drunk bar owner (the guy with the $300 at the end of the night) hassling us to play Free Bird, our answer, including an "alright, wise guy, I'll show you", cynically wicked slide mandolin solo using a Craftsman deep well socket, multiple "guest slots" from folks in the audience, a tear-jerking version of Dixie, Sally Goodin the old time way... It has it all. And despite all of the very obvious flaws, it is a great gig! And they kept us on for 3 more years!  By the way, when I told Harry that we'd play Free Bird in the fourth set, that was a joke. We were only booked for three sets.   Happy Thanksgiving, folks!   And don't forget: Christmas Times a Coming! All you mandolin players need Jackson's eBook Christmas Songs For Mandolin. You still have plenty of time to learn them before the mistletoe is hanging. Granny don't wanna hear no Salt Creek! She wants Jingle Bells! Enjoy the show. ------------------------------------- If you like my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons!   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.  I love you all!   My full website is located at http://www.bradleylaird.com. There you will find free lessons, free videos, jam tracks, full descriptions of all of my books, video lessons and courses... plenty to keep you busy.

If you've ever picked up a mandolin, banjo, or guitar with a curiosity about bluegrass, you know the journey is equal parts joy and frustration. Bradley Laird's Grass Talk Radio-Bluegrass is a companion for that path, hosted by musician and teacher Bradley Laird. This isn't a lecture series; it's a practical, encouraging conversation from someone who understands the hurdles. You'll hear discussions on technique, from fundamental rolls and chops to more nuanced phrasing, alongside commentary on the history and spirit that defines the genre. The focus is on tangible progress, whether you're figuring out your first G-run or refining your backup playing for a jam session. Episodes often feel like a one-on-one lesson, breaking down songs and concepts into manageable steps while addressing the common mental blocks that can slow a player down. The goal is to build not just competence, but confidence and a deeper appreciation for the music. Tune into this podcast for a mix of straightforward instruction, thoughtful analysis, and the steady motivation needed to keep your practice meaningful and enjoyable. Bradley Laird's approach demystifies the process, helping you move from simply playing notes to genuinely making music within the bluegrass tradition.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Bradley Laird's Grass Talk Radio - Bluegrass
Podcast Episodes
GTR-204 Update [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:52
An update on the status of GrassTalkRadio and to let you know that I am still kicking!
GTR-203 Curtis Jones Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:49
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 203 Curtis Jones Interview Curtis Jones is a supremely diverse musician and a world-class acoustic guitarist. Down to earth, humble and amazingly gifted. I know you will enjoy meeting my frie…
GTR-202 - Jim ”Duck” Adkins Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:10
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 202 Jim "Duck" Adkins Interview Duck is many things: musician, banjo player, singer, band leader, teacher. He has been playing and entertaining crowds for fifty years and is a well-known figu…
GTR-201 Harps Jackson Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:20
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 201 Harps Jackson Interview Everything you ever wanted to know about the harmonica brought to you by a guy who truly can play the thing. He has played in blues, gospel, country, rock and blue…
GTR-200 Merry Christmas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:53
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 200 Merry Christmas I just came in the from the yard throwing the baseball back and forth with Jackson and my wife is in the house making Christmas cookies. When I finish this episode I plan…
GTR-198 A Major Award [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:12
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 198 A Major Award & The Ed Davis Method In this episode I discuss an award my son received for his music composition "Run Away" and how we can learn from that. You can download his award winn…
GTR-197 Chatty Light Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:58:40
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 197 Chatty Light Interview Recently I was asked to be a guest on the Chatty Light Podcast. I thought you might enjoy hearing it. Thank you, Colton, Alex and crew! It was fun. And for my son J…
GTR-196 Mushrooms and Metronomes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:19
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 196 Mushrooms and Metronomes This nice cool evening I simply held the recorder in my hand and talked about how you can focus and get good at one thing and it will carry over into lots of othe…
GTR-195 - Early Morning Rant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:57
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 195 An Early Morning Rant One of the things in life that I cherish is to rise early, to get up before the chickens, watch the stars and think about life. This morning I got up, jotted down a…
GTR-194 - David Mathis of Gallagher Guitar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:43
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 194 David Mathis of Gallagher Guitar Gallagher guitars, made in Tennessee, were first brought to the attention of guitar players when the legendary Doc Watson chose a D-50 Gallagher in the la…